The Beast Report: April 2018

1. Beast Profiles

2. Nutrition

3. Looking Ahead

1. Beast Profiles

Articles and interviews dedicated to reporting on the amazing people and stories of Your Beast Team!

Meet Sharo Jodorowsky Flores!

What was your first OCR race and what made you decide to try it?

My first OCR was The Spartan Super in Snohomish a year ago (April, 2017)! I still remember the butterflies I felt in my belly that morning!! It was a weird and awesome feeling. I didn’t know ANYTHING about the race, just a couple of things I read before like the distance and the fun mud part. I didn’t know what I was thinking when I got a Groupon for this race (maybe I got it because the pictures looked cool). I got it with the idea of convincing at least a friend to run it with me. I didn’t want to try something crazy and different for the first time just by myself. Oh well… It’s what I ended up doing!!!! My friends thought I was crazy!!! -I guess I’m CRAZY!!

How has OCR helped you overcome challenges?

OCR has become my therapy. It’s my safe place where I can scream, cry, laugh, get mad, and messy without worrying about life. I have learned so much about myself comparing obstacles in the race with obstacles in my life. I even have a couple of friends who tell me to overcome my obstacles in life the same way I was capable to finish a race of a Hurricane Heat.

What do you love most about the OCR Community?

The camaraderie! On the course, it doesn’t matter if you are black or white, short or tall, poor or rich, skinny or fat, man or woman (well, just on the categories), or if you have one or both legs. Here in the mud, each one of us are equal. Here, we are friendly to strangers or even cheer them up!! In addition, the Beasts OCR group is a FAMILY! I learned to believe in myself after talking to many of them. I found out that a lot of us see this activity as a metaphor for life.

Who inspires you?

My son Emiliano!! He’s every second in my mind. I got a small picture of him and I put in a tiny ziploc bag to take it with me when I race. He’s is in Mexico and I miss him so much!!

What is your favorite OCR memory?

Meeting Dirk, Landy, and Brian from the Beasts OCR during my first race. They were so friendly and always willing to help during the obstacles. They basically adopted me during that and others races. With the time and more races, I have had the opportunity to meet a lot more!! They are super cool and supportive.

Tell us something about yourself that few people know, whether OCR related or not.

I’m a CRAZY PLANT LADY!!!! I love plants, I have a fascination about their shapes and colors. My two favorites are Tillandsias (air plants) and cacti! Also my hobby is making terrariums!!

Oh! One more thing!! My name is Sarai, but my friends call me Sharo! I love it!

What are your goals for 2018?

Sadly, 2018 has not been so nice to me. I have been dealing with terrible headaches for 3 months and this has made me lower my level of exercise. In my plans for this year, I have a trifecta (Seattle/ Washougal/ Seattle) and a HH. I really want to increase the endurance events because they are my favorites; the HH 12HR gets my attention, but it scares me a lot!!!

2. Beast Nutrition

Blueberry Fun Facts:

Blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse! 1 Cup of blueberries contain 84 calories, but provide 14% of your daily fiber and 24% of your daily vitamin C. They also contain heart friendly antioxidants. Use them to top yogurt, cereal, protein pancakes, or blend them into smoothies for a yummy treat!

Blueberries grow in clusters and range in size from that of a small pea to a marble.

Blueberries are native to North America where they grow throughout the woods and mountainous regions in the United States and Canada. This fruit is rarely found growing in Europe and has only been recently introduced in Australia.

April 28th is National Blueberry Pie Day.

July 11th is National Blueberry Muffin Day.

Native Americans once called blueberries “star berries” because the blossoms make a star shape.

Blueberries are one of the only foods that are naturally blue in color.

There are approximately 30 different species of blueberries with different ones growing throughout various regions.

Michigan is the number one state in highbush blueberry production with growers producing over 100 million pounds of blueberries every year.

Blueberries are literally bursting with nutrients and flavor, yet very low in calories. Recently, researchers at Tufts University analyzed 60 fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant capability. Blueberries came out on top, rating highest in their capacity to destroy free radicals.

Recipe:

Magical Blueberry Vanilla Chia Seed Jam

Ingredients:

3 cups fresh blueberries

3-4 tbsp pure maple syrup, to taste (or other liquid sweetener)

2 tbsp chia seeds

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1. In a medium-sized non-stick pot, bring the blueberries and 3 tbsp of maple syrup to a low boil. Stir frequently, and reduce heat to low-medium to simmer for about 5 minutes. Lightly mash the blueberries with a potato masher or fork, leaving some for texture.

2. Stir in the chia seeds until thoroughly combined and cook the mixture down until it thickens to your desired consistency, or about 15 minutes. Stir frequently so it doesn’t stick to the pot.

3. Once the jam is thick, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add more maple syrup to taste if desired. Enjoy on toast, English muffins, oatmeal, vegan overnight oats, oat bars, tarts, cookies, banana soft serve, smoothies, and more. The jam should keep for at least a week in an air-tight container in the fridge. Makes 1 Cup.